30 Something Mother Runner was hosted (including activities) at Smugglers’ Notch for a Friday through Sunday stay. All writing and opinions are 100% my own and based on my personal and family experience at the resort.
Since there was too much fun at Smugglers’ Notch to fit into one post, here is part two covering everything you need to know about the Smuggs’ Snow Sport University and children’s programs.
Smugglers’ Notch Children’s Programs and Lessons
Snow Sport University
The boys had skied one or two times before we headed up to Smugglers’ Notch, so we weren’t quite sure what level they would be when we arrived. After securing all of their rental gear Friday night (they have EVERYTHING you could need!), we headed to the base of Morse Mountain on Saturday morning.
Rather than full day ski camp, we opted for a 2 hour group lesson. I wanted to allow plenty of time in the day to enjoy all of their amenities, so the 2 hour time frame worked perfectly. We met the instructors at the base of the mountain, and they helped us determine proper placement for the boys in levels 1, 2, or 3.
Soon after the boys headed over to the beginner slope and had a BLAST learning to ski. The boys loved their teachers and were excited to head back the next day. I enjoyed watching the last half hour of lessons Sunday– a beautiful spring-like skiing day. You can find more information about Snow Sport University HERE.
Snow Sport University offers lessons for kids and adults of all levels, for snowboarding and skiing. Whether you choose private lessons, group lessons, or ski camp, you are sure to find something that is the right fit for your family.
Treasures Child Care Center
Since my youngest is 21 months and wasn’t quite ready for skiing yet, he went to Treasures Child Care Center while the rest of the family hit the slopes. I was a little apprehensive about putting him in daycare, since he’s home with me and didn’t have any experience with it.
I honestly wasn’t sure how he would respond. Much to my delight, he had a great time. I was really impressed with the Treasures center. It’s housed in its own building, adjacent to one of the beginner slopes. You can drive up, or you can walk up the hill from the base lodge (it’s not far), like we did!
As soon as you enter the building, you are greeted by a friendly staff member who takes your info and introduces your child to Treasures. You are provided with a security card for pick up and all emergency info, etc. is recorded. Each child receives a cubby to stow their outerwear and a bin to store necessary changing items.
Treasures cares for children from 6 weeks up to 3 years. The center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. There are three different rooms based on age: Fireflies (6 weeks – 16 months), Little Dippers (17 months to 2 1/2 years) and Little Rascals (2 1/2 to 3 years).
Each room has a large fish tank and is full of age-appropriate toys. The children do indoor activities like blowing bubbles, reading, crafts, etc. The BEST part? They bundle up and spend time playing outside. They have a great little playground that overlooks one of the ski trails at the base of Morse Mountain.
While the kids play on all of the outdoor equipment and mini magic carpet, they can watch everyone ski! While at Treasures, children receive a snack and lunch if it’s a full-day. W’s lunch was a healthy tortellini, peas and oranges (love it!). They have a special place for napping with cots and cribs, so your child can be picked up well-rested!
It was so nice to have some time to ski on our own, all the while feeling comfortable that W was in great care! 🙂 Treasures Child Care Center also provides Kids’ Night Out on Wednesday and Saturday, so the grown ups can enjoy an evening out. If you don’t need partial or full day day care, they can also arrange a private babysitter for you.
All in all, I can’t say enough about how happy we were with the kids’ programs and childcare. We are already planning to go back next year!
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